Sunday, September 21, 2014

In Buddhism, we study and reflect on
the dharma; and then, fully blending what we have understood with our
mind, we practice resting evenly in meditation. In the beginning, a tree
needs strong roots. Similarly, what is most important for meditation is
calm abiding.

The very act of clinging causes mental
distress—have you ever noticed that longing hurts? Moreover, the
exertions are futile since grasping cannot extend the life of pleasure,
not even by a nanosecond. As for unpleasant sensations—in truth, they
disappear in a moment, too. But when you feel averse to them, the pain
doubles. It’s like trying to remove a thorn in your foot by piercing the
skin with a second thorn. If we could let go, the mind wouldn't suffer.

“Absolutely
everything that happens has a spiritual significance, because life is a
spiritual adventure. But of course there are more meaningful moments
and less meaningful ones. The greater the change that life brings you,
the greater the spiritual significance you will unveil. For example,
even if you were satisfied with your job and end up losing it, take this
as a gift from existence that is helping you to align yourself with
your dharma, your greater purpose.”